United Nations Warns Against Unilateral Initiatives in Libya’s Political Stalemate
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Roshan Amiri
- . July 29, 2023
- . Update: July 29, 2023 6:27 pm
A caution against “unilateral initiatives” to break the nation’s political impasse has been issued by the UN mission in Libya. This warning is in reaction to suggestions that a new temporary administration be established as a prelude to elections from two legislative bodies, the Tripoli-based Consultative State Council (SC) and the eastern-based House of Representatives (HoR) parliament. While the UN works to establish a clear path to polls as a long-term solution to Libya’s 12-year-old crisis, those opposed to the current Tripoli government are focused on ousting it ahead of any national vote.
The UN mission has voiced worry that, similar to earlier attempts, such unilateral steps might have significant adverse effects on Libya and perhaps spark more unrest and violence. It emphasises how delicate the circumstance is and how thorough and inclusive decision-making is required to arrive at a lasting solution.
Historically, the HoR and SC have supported opposing groups throughout the conflict between Eastern and Western factions, which lasted until 2020. Both organisations oppose the Government of National Unity, headed by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah in Tripoli, despite their continued disagreements on several crucial topics. However, some Libyans have the suspicion that these organisations are hesitant to help organise elections, which would complicate the political environment.
The HoR and SC were given a voice in significant political developments in 2015 thanks to an internationally acclaimed agreement. The UN has taken a leading role in diplomatic attempts to persuade these legislative bodies to come to terms with constitutional and legal amendments that would allow presidential and parliamentary elections to take place. However, these efforts have not yet produced a definitive result, and there is still controversy regarding the authority of each organisation.
Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN representative in Libya, recently said that the electoral regulations now would not allow for successful elections. This emphasises how crucial it is to resolve this problem and establish a favourable climate for the electoral process.
The HoR and SC have unveiled a separate agenda, in defiance of UN efforts, that aims to oust Prime Minister Dbeibah’s administration before proceeding to national elections. The planned roadmap describes the establishment of a new temporary administration in charge of overseeing the presidential and parliamentary elections.
Since the 2011 NATO-backed revolt and the ensuing 2014 split between warring Eastern and Western factions, Libya has experienced years of instability. Throughout this time, access to oil wealth and control over the government have been significant areas of conflict between opposing factions.
The UN emphasises the significance of inclusive decision-making and caution against unilateral moves that can increase instability as Libya struggles with its protracted political crisis. The HoR and SC’s conflicts must be settled if the presidential and legislative elections are successful and a lasting political solution for the nation’s future.
